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      ‘I’ve taken experiences from Marta but I’ve always had the belief to be here’ says England’s Anna Moorhouse

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      ANNA MOORHOUSE is ready to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton all the way in the battle to start in goal for England.Like her Orlando Pride team-mate and Brazil legend Marta the uncapped shot-stopper, 29, hopes to leave her mark on the game. Anna Moorhouse hopes to make her first senior appearance for England after helping Orlando Pride become NWSL championsCredit: GettyMoorhouse, who began her senior club career at Everton, received her first Lionesses call-up in JulyCredit: ReutersMoorhouse says her experience with Orlando Pride has helped her come out of her shellCredit: ReutersMoorhouse’s first England call-up came ahead of their July camp and Euros qualifier duels with the Republic of Ireland and SwedenCredit: Getty2024 has been a standout year at club level for Moorhouse.One preceded by seasons battling for game time during stints with Everton, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Arsenal before a two-year spell at West Ham from 2018 to 2020. The Oldham-born player, who once was part of a Doncaster Rovers Belles side relegated from the WSL in 2016, has been “riding the crest of a wave” at Orlando. This month she helped her club make history in the United States’ women’s top-flight with the team winning the National Women’s Soccer League title. Read More Football StoriesA first-half goal netted by Orlando star striker Barbra Banda in a 1-0 defeat of Washington Spirit led to them being crowned NWSL Champions for the first time. And four months ago Moorhouse received her first call-up to the Lionesses squad, 12 years after beginning her senior club career with the Toffees. The Orlando shot-stopper said: “I cried when I got the phone call from Sarina Wiegman. It was a dream come true. “I’ve been called up to a couple of camps and I’m starting to settle down a little bit and become more comfortable. I can let my personality out a little bit more.Most read in Football”I still have a long way to go on that journey. “I want to win an (England) cap. I’m not here just to train and be around the team.”This year Moorhouse etched her name into the NWSL’s history books keeping the most clean sheets in one season with 12 in 29 appearances for her club. She adds: “I’m sure after this week I’ll look back and realise what an incredible achievement I’ve had this season.”I haven’t really looked back and processed it. I’ve been riding the wave of what it is and what it has been”As a team, we didn’t really listen to pressures from outside, from the media, from opposing teams’ fans and stuff like that. “We were just so focused on getting the job done and bringing the trophy home.”Orlando’s triumph saw football icon Marta, 38, lift the NWSL Shield in the 24th year of her professional playing career. Playing football with a forward who has competed in six World Cups has influenced Moorhouse’s own international aspirations.I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.Anna Moorhouse The goalkeeper, who joined the US club from Bordeaux two years ago, adds: “I’ve taken experiences from the way Marta acts around the team, but I’ve always had the belief that I had the ability to be here. “Things didn’t go my way when I was younger but I still made it and everyone’s journey is different. “I’m kind of a shy person which is weird for a goalkeeper. “This year I’ve definitely been able to come out of my shell a little bit at Orlando Pride.”Like Marta, who retired from international football this year after a Paris Olympics silver medal win, Moorhouse hopes to shape the growth of women’s football.She said: “We all want to grow the game and be that role model. It’s definitely something I want to do.”Moorhouse was in goal for West Ham when they competed in an FA Cup final in 2019 where the fell to a 3-0 loss to Man City at Wembley.This Saturday could see her back at Wembley again when the Lionesses host the USA. The friendly duel with Emma Hayes’s side and with Switzerland at Bramall Lane next Tuesday will be England’s final fixtures for this year. Both are being used as preparation for Nations League games in February and the Lionesses’ bid to retain their Euros champions title. Securing a place in Wiegman’s squad for next year’s Euros is a target for Moorhouse.And the 6ft tall shot stopper reckons her height could give her an edge in addition to her skills between the sticks. She adds:  “I really want that cap and I want to push Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton to get that.”Mary and Hannah are really good goalkeepers in their own rights respectively. Moorhouse hopes to give England boss Wiegman food for thought on her goalkeeper optionsCredit: Getty”I think I can add a little bit of something different. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m very tall. I think that’s a big part of my game. I definitely want to be a part of the Euros squad. “Hopefully I can impress Sarina in this camp.” More

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      Manchester United’s Gabby George opens up on England call-up joy following the ‘difficult moment’ of her knee injury

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      HAVING space to rant at Manchester United during the toughest days of her knee injury, helped spur Gabby George’s fight back to fitness. Now the defender, 27, is relishing her return to England duty 14 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Gabby George has joined up with her England team-mates this week for the first time since November 2022The defender’s Lionesses call-up follows her making a return to WSL match action in October following an ACL injuryGeorge, who has two senior England caps, hopes to impress Sarina Wiegman whose team are due to play the USA and SwitzerlandIt was in October last year, a month after sealing a permanent move to United from Everton that George’s season was cut short.Four games into the 2023-24 campaign, the full-back tore her ACL during the club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester in the top-flight. The twice-capped Manchester-born player did not return to WSL action until this September when her side beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. And the full-back intends to enjoy her football after coming through this “difficult moment”. Read More Football Stories Speaking at England’s base, yesterday she said: “I’d just signed for Manchester United.”I had so many dreams and ambitions that I wanted to achieve, and it was all taken away from me within four games. “The hardest part of an injury is understanding why and you never know why, that’s the toughest part. “It was a difficult moment and I’m happy to have come through it with the help of Manchester United. Most read in Football”On the days that were tough I was able to go into the changing room and if I needed to cry, I could cry, and if I needed to rant, I could rant to them. “They always listened and never made me feel like I was a burden and that was the key thing. “We have a great squad and staff and I was able to speak to all of the staff.”But it’s behind me now and I’m just happy and I’m in a position where I can play again.”George, whose knee injuries kept her out of two FA Cup finals with Everton and United, could be set to feature for England this Saturday. When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing.Gabby GeorgeAlthough her club are fifth in the league, her call-up follows her contribution to United keeping five clean sheets in eight games. The Lionesses take on Emma Hayes’s Olympic gold medal-winning USA stars at Wembley at 5:45pm this Saturday. George’s last call-up for England was before their November 2022 campThe full-back was named on the bench ahead of a 4-0 friendly defeat of Japan and a 1-1 draw with Norway. George, whose cousin is ex-Man United winger Jesse Lingard, adds: “I’ve come back this season and I’ve wanted to enjoy my football. Wherever that takes me, it takes me. “Luckily I was able to get an England call-up but I want to continue enjoying my football because that’s when I play my best.”Of her call-up conversation with Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, George said: “I was stuttering on the phone and I’m never lost for words! I was buzzing for it. “When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing for you. I’m all about celebrating those wins.”England’s duels with the USA and with Switzerland next Tuesday, will serve as prep for their two upcoming Nations League games.Aside from Portugal, the Lionesses will play World Cup champions Spain next February. It will be the first game between the sides since England’s 1-0 loss to their rivals in last August’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. And George hopes to make her mark before Wiegman’s squad selection for both fixtures.The USA will take on England for the first time since Emma Hayes took charge of the team this summerShe said: “Sarina knows what she’s doing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like, us training and being in this environment, we have a chance to showcase ourselves and if we get minutes, we get minutes. “If we don’t, we’re just going to have to keep pushing and working hard.” More

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      Emma Hayes bizarrely holds USA press conference in iconic North London pub

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      EMMA HAYES kicked off her UK homecoming in style – by holding a press conference at an iconic London pub.The former Chelsea boss will take charge of her first match back in England this weekend, six months after leaving the Blues to become head coach of the USA women’s national team.USA coach Emma Hayes behind the barCredit: PAEmma Hayes enjoys a pint of beerCredit: ReutersEmma Hayes held a press conference at the World’s End in CamdenCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78A ‘Welcome home Emma’ sign was shown above the doorsCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78The pub was transformed into a makeshift press conference roomCredit: PAHayes discussed her love for CamdenCredit: PAShe is preparing to face England in a highly-anticipated friendly at Wembley Stadium.To mark her return to London, Hayes called a pre-match press conference at one of her favourite pubs – the World’s End in Camden.The WSL icon posed outside the venue for pictures ahead of the conference.She then sat down in front of a huge crowd of journalists to preview Saturday’s match.Read More in FootballPhotographers and videographers were positioned on a raised stage area while reporters sat in the centre of the makeshift conference room.”I think Camden is the greatest place on earth not only for the multicultural diverse place it is, but also for the opportunities it gave me,” she said.Hayes ended her 12-year spell with Chelsea in May to become USWNT head coach.Within three months, she led the team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Lionesses are continuing their preparations for Euro 2025.Sarina Wiegman has given first-time call-ups to Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace for the upcoming friendlies against the USA and Switzerland.English manager Emma Hayes makes Team USA captain cry after leading them to Olympic gold as star says ‘what the hell’Meanwhile, Manchester United full-back Gabby George has been named in the squad for the first time in two years.Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable due to injury. More

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      Bompastor hails Chelsea’s ‘perfect start’ but says team ‘still have a lot of improvement’ to make

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR wants Chelsea to stay focused on reality in their title hunt despite their flawless record so far this term. And the Blues boss thinks there is more room for improvement from her undefeated side who beat Manchester United 1-0.Guro Reiten netted the only goal of the game with a spot-kick for Chelsea in the 17th minuteCredit: ReutersBlues forward Sandi Baltimore was named player of the match after another a solid shift as a full-backCredit: GettyChelsea’s win increased their advantage at the top of the table with Man City trailing them by six pointsCredit: PAGuro Reiten’s sixth top-flight goal this season kept the title chase on target for the league leaders at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Melvine Malard came close to snatching a dramatic late away leveller for Man United with her thunderous shot bouncing off the crossbar. But Chelsea did enough to protect their lead and open a five-point gap on Man City, who are second. And the loss for the Red Devils in the WSL leaves the Blues as the only side unbeaten so far this term after eight top-flight games. Read More Football StoriesBompastor said: “In terms of results it’s a perfect start and a 100 per cent win record. But it’s important to stay in mind with reality. “This is really good in terms of confidence, but the reality is even if we beat Man City, Arsenal and Man United, we haven’t won anything yet. “We need to keep a good balance between having the confidence from getting these good results against the best teams in the league. “But we must also make sure we keep our mentality focused on working hard.Most read in Football”We need to progress and the good point is we are winning games and getting points. “But we still have a lot of improvement, especially when we have possession of the ball, being able to hold the ball more under pressure.”Coming into the game United’s attacking ranks had been dealt a fitness blow with Ella Toone and striker Elisabeth Terland both injured. Starting in their place were veteran forward Rachel Williams and Brazil winger Geyse who was the Red Devils’ most dangerous attacking threat. Man United began brightly with forward Geyse leading the way with some powerful runs and decent crosses into the box. But it was the hosts who would break the deadlock after United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce brought Mayra Ramirez down in the box. The game’s only goal was scored with Reiten rifling home from the penalty spot in the 17th minute despite Tullis-Joyce guessing the right way. United came close to equalising in the second half with Geyse forcing Hannah Hampton to parry away her shot away from the top corner And Malard struck the woodwork in the 90th minute. Man United were limited to one shot on target with their strongest attacking threat coming from Geyse (pictured) and Melvine MalardCredit: PABut their hosts held out with loss likely to see Marc Skinner’s side now nine points behind the league leaders. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils boss said: “Chelsea are running away with it. “All we can do is get closer, try and finish as high as we possibly can, and try and finish in those Champions League places.” More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More

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      Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from GQ Men of the Year

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      ENGLAND star Chloe Kelly sent fans wild as she stunned at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremony.The Lionesses ace hit the red carpet and showed off her incredible figure in a half white and half sparkly outfit.Chloe Kelly stunned in a bold outfit at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremonyCredit: GettyThe Lionesses star dazzled in behind-the-scenes snapsCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly wowed her 877,00 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMFans labelled her look ‘gorgeous’Credit: INSTAGRAMShe was one of several footballers at the eventCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly’s eye-catching look was accompanied with glittering earrings and stylish high-heeled shoes.The 26-year-old posted several snaps from the event and afterparty on her Instagram.The Manchester City star posed in a car before hopping out to dazzle in the hallways of the luxury event.Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “Extremely glamorous.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Oh to look like that in a dress like that. Gorgeous.”A third wrote: “Wow so beautiful.” Women’s Super League star Maz Pacheco commented: “Girl crush.”Kelly was not the only footballer at the event, with England trio Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke among those invited.Most read in FootballChelsea star Palmer arrived with stunning new girlfriend Connie Grace.Other celebs like Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, Usain Bolt, Skepta, Jude Law and Nicole Kidman were also present at the 27th annual get-together on Tuesday night.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsKelly is no stranger to the red carpetCredit: AlamyOff the pitch, she lives a life of luxuryCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final for EnglandCredit: instagramThe Man City star has 47 Lionesses capsCredit: instagram @chloekellyShe has scored seven goals for her countryCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal boss says players’ progress to Women’s Champions League knockouts is the ‘perfect end’ to an intense run

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      RENEE SLEGERS described Arsenal reaching the Women’s Champions League’ last eight as the “ultimate end to an intense” block of games. It took her Gunners 89 minutes to break Juventus’s resistance with Lina Hurtig’s strike securing their sixth win in seven matches across all competitions. Arsenal have gone a seven-game unbeaten run since Renee Slegers became interim manager of the WSL sideCredit: GettyLina Hurtig’s first goal in the Women’s Champions League this season secured the Gunners’ place in the contest’s quarter-finalsCredit: AlamyWhile their performance last night at the Emirates was less goal-laden than their 4-0 demolition of the Serie A side last week, the result maintained their unbeaten run under Slegers. The stand-in boss has impressed since taking charge of the side in mid-October following Jonas Eidevall resigning from his role as head coach. Following a mixed start to the season, Arsenal have looked more fluid in attack in three of their last four games with 12 goals scored. During their 5-0 defeat of Brighton on November 8 one fan was spotted holding a placard with the words “In Renee we trust” daubed across it. Read More Football StoriesThe team’s fourth win on the bounce since then has strengthened the case for the Netherlands-born stand-in Arsenal boss to continue in her role. Although the result gave the Gunners what she describes as “breathing space”, she sees the situation as surreal. Of their seven-game unbeaten run, Slegers said: “It’s the ultimate end to a very busy and intense block we have had here. “It is the perfect ending for this block. It means a lot. Most read in Sport”All of the players totally deserve it because of the work they put in. It gives us some breathing space in the last two games as well.”We wouldn’t give ourselves a ten out of ten but we will give ourselves a big fat ‘enough’. “We will never play the perfect game so it won’t be a ten, but we are very happy with what we have done so far.  “I never felt we would get into this situation. “We have done really well but I was part of Jonas (Eidevall’s) staff and there was so much that was built during his time. I don’t want to separate that. “There is so much we are still building on. It’s surreal in so many ways but we are very happy. “Compared to last term with Chelsea the only WSL side in the contest’s knockout phase, all three English clubs competing this season have fared well in the group stage. Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City currently sit top of group D above Barcelona with four wins from four matches including their 2-0 win against the LaLiga Women’s leaders in October.  An efficient 2-1 defeat of Hammarby last night, with City also entering the tournament’s last eight, came courtesy of two goals netted by Khadija Shaw.Khadija Shaw struck twice to seal Manchester City’s away win against Hammarby in their fourth Champions League group stage game this termCredit: GettyThe Jamaica striker has been in fine form in Europe for City so far this term netting three times in four Champions League appearances. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Chelsea also maintained a hundred per cent win record in the group stages so far The team claimed a quarter-final place by beating Celtic 3-0 on Wednesday ahead of duels with FC Twente and Real Madrid next month.  More

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      Moment baffled Man City star is BOOKED after being hit by projectile thrown from crowd when she scored

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Khadija Shaw was bizarrely shown a yellow card after being hit by an object thrown from the crowd during Thursday’s Champions League clash with Hammarby.Shaw broke the deadlock for City with a deflected shot in the 31st minute. Khadija Shaw was hit by a projectile while celebrating her first goalCredit: EPAThe striker was left completely baffled after the incidentCredit: EPAShe was then left stunned after receiving a bizarre yellow cardCredit: GettyBut as she ran over to the corner flag to celebrate, she was struck by a projectile which appeared to be thrown from the home supporters.The striker looked over to the crowd to see where the object came from, but as she began walking back to the halfway line referee Silvia Gasperotti brandished a yellow card.Shaw looked completely perplexed as her team-mate Alex Greenwood attempted to question the decision.However, Gasperotti just walked away before restarting the match.Read More in FootballFans on social media were equally confused as to why Shaw received a booking.One person wrote: “Absolutely crazy decision from the ref.”Another commented: “Just when you think you have seen the worst decision in women’s football the refs just have to take it to a new level.”While a third said: “Poor officiating, there has to be severe punishment for this incompetence.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther fans appeared to suggest that Shaw was booked for “excessively celebrating” in front of the Hammarby fans.One commented: “She celebrated in front of Hammarby stand, that’s why she got a yellow card.”Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup finalShaw had the last laugh, however, as she went on to score the winner in superb style.Just four minutes after Ellen Wangerheim equalised for Hammarby, the striker fired a shot straight into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.The goal saw her become Man City Women’s all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League.City went on to win 2-1 to book a spot in the quarter-finals. More